Yufeng's portfolio

UNU

I was contracted to create a CGI commercial for UNU, a cat furniture, to be featured on its kickstarter campaign and other advertisement. The video aims to demonstrate the modularity of the product by showcasing the various pre-built configuration and all of the modules available. At the same time, the client wanted to showcase the flexible heavy felt and the various innovative material choice. During the process of making the video, I have revamped the existing materials and some of the alterations have been reflected in the production.

Type

Motion graphics

Development period

February 2023

Client

UNU

Project Scope

Translate storyboard into scenes

Retexture all models for video

Design, model and texture environments

Animation on parts, environment and camera movement

Color grading on shot footage to include in the commercial

Generate additional static renderings for promotional materials

Final edit on timing and color

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Design process

The proportion is loosely based on a scaled down version of the AV in Cyberpunk 2077. I imagined it as a three seater with a cargo hold in the tail of the vehicle that is accessible from both the back as well as the interior.

To emphasize on the strength of the chassis, the design theme uses two encapsulating hard surface to envelop the interior component, while a smooth surface connects them gives it more flare.

Detail design

Video feature

Visualization

UNU

Type

Motion graphics

Development period

February 2023

Client

UNU

Project Scope

Translate storyboard into scenes

Retexture all models for video

Design, model and texture environments

Animation on parts, environment and camera movement

Color grading on shot footage to include in the commercial

Generate additional static renderings for promotional materials

Final edit on timing and color

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Materials and environment

Homely, minimal and premium is the objective for the environment. Low saturation warm hues that are contrasted with small textures allows for visual interest without clutter. The gentle smooth surfacing that connects the arch to the walls brings an upscale ambience.

Using custom PBR and procedural materials, the presentation aims to be photorealistic while maintaining the material diversity of the modules.

Animation

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In the intro the client wanted to show off the fabric that wraps around UNU, so I've created various motions to help them visualize the effect.

The client requested four tagline animations to highlight key components of their product, each is then paired with footage of cats playing in similar fashion.

Several version of the module animation was tested to showcase the different attachments.

UNU

Type

Motion graphics

Development period

February 2023

Client

UNU

Project Scope

Translate storyboard into scenes

Retexture all models for video

Design, model and texture environments

Animation on parts, environment and camera movement

Color grading on shot footage to include in the commercial

Generate additional static renderings for promotional materials

Final edit on timing and color

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Environment & asset design

Set 1: Office

Inspired by Alien-esque aesthetics, I wanted a clash of 1970's technology and futuristic concept to run concurrent in the design of the sets.

The original color scheme was made to be cold and to contrast the warm tone of the 2nd set.

The hardware is based on old computers, namely the 186 tape drive computer from IBM as well as their classic spring keyboard.

Using after effects I made several retro interface animations to help create the ambience and date the technology.

One of the earliest piece built was the disc player, although chronologically it is quite out of place with the 70's computers, I wanted to further play up the contrast between aged technology and the titlecard "future".
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I transcribed a simpler version of the song to piano and warped it onto the disc, so that in the intro of the song, the correct notes would "play".

Set 2: Hanger

Most of the runtime takes place in the hanger, as a maintenance and launch platform, I wanted the space to reflect a sense of strength in the heavy industrial aesthetic.

Elevator shaft

Referencing mining elevator shafts, the exposed panels and mesh help with setting the gritty mechanical feeling of the interior.

Maintenance platform

To support and launch the ship, I wanted the platform to be visually strong while maintaining intricate details.
I was inspired by the bezel on the VC overseas series watches for its sense of strength and refinement.
The structure is based on rail cannons that uses a series of electromagnets to accelerate a projectile to great speed in a short platform.

In order to support the heavy launch platform, the structure to reflect a feeling of strength, so I took inspiration from the traditional Chinese architecture principle of Mortise and tenon, a form of interlocking joint work.

To match the key shift in the music, I paid attention in the lighting of the opening of the hanger bay doors. Contrasting between the gloomy green hue and the much brighter and warmer sunlight. I animated several interfaces here and used the interaction on the displays to sell the illusion of a greenscreen.

Sparks and flames

In the process of making this video I experimented with sparks and flame effects to create visual interest by contrast. Furthermore, I added in details like the tip of the exhaust gradually glowing brighter as the afterburner kicks on, and the electromagnetic modules swaying as the ship accelerates through the rail to enhance the sense of tactility in the motion.